Hungerford Theatre Company - Annie Get Your Gun

Rootin' tootin' cowboys

The Community of Hungerford Theatre Company: Annie Get Your Gun, at John O'Gaunt School, Hungerford, from Wednesday, February 16 to Saturday, February 19

These annual productions are a true community affair, for anyone who
wants to take part is welcomed by director David Clayton and many more
people than the actors give up their time to become involved.

Annie Get Your Gun is a perennial Irving Berlin favourite, and,
led by the strong musical voice of Paul Hyde as Frank Butler and Sarah
Fradgley, throwing herself energetically into the mammoth role of country
hick Annie who learns the hard way that You Can't Get A Man With A Gun,
the company put on a colourful performance accompanied by accurate,
sympathetic music from the Cowhand Band, conducted by Simon Coles.

Sarah's pleasant soft voice was at its best in I Got Lost In His Arms
but the rumbustious Doin' What Comes Naturally came over well, with
superb back up from her talented siblings, especially George Olney as Little
Jake. Chris Everard's (Tommy) singing was a joy and Bryony Barnes-Tulk, as
his wife Winnie, was a graceful dancer though her singing was hampered by
illness.

Dave Whiddett made a good job of Charlie Davenport, vocally and with his
acting ability, while vicar Andrew Sawyer produced a highly educated Chief
Sitting Bull, particularly enjoyable when a table he and Charlie were
sitting at collapsed and he was heard to mutter "stupid paleface!"

The masses of junior chorus were bright, breezy, clearly enjoying
themselves and it is to be hoped their enthusiasm will remain for many
years. The older chorus deserve gold stars for retaining interest in the
principals' actions and remaining involved at all times, while the group of
young girls looked wonderful and moved well though occasionally lacked
confidence when it came to singing.

It was the first night and, hopefully, entrances speeded up through the
week, for this added time to what is already a long show. It also has to be
said that much of the movement was far short of being slick and another
month of rehearsing might have given that final edge to the production and
given the performers extra confidence and sparkle.

Nevertheless how good it is that the tradition of entertainment, always
strong in Hungerford since the time of Ivy Wells, continues.